Private Schools by County

About Private Schools

What is a Private School?

A Private School is a school that provides all or some portion of Kindergarten through 12th grade education, but they do not operate as part of a public school district. Private Schools are largely funded through tuition and student fees, though they may also be supported by grants and private contributions. Some Private Schools may receive a small amount of public funding, such as Department of Education grants for school building renovations. Private Schools have selective admissions and can choose who may enroll as a student. Public Schools, in contrast, are subject to compulsory education laws that require states to provide education to all children.

While each of the states impose regulations on Private Schools, they differ widely in their requirements. Some states require the licensing or registration of Private Schools, while others do not. Likewise, teacher certification in Private Schools may or may not be required depending on the state. States may also regulate the length of the school year, health and safety requirements, transportation, special education, reporting requirements, textbooks, or testing. Generally, Private Schools maintain substantial autonomy in establishing their own administrative systems, including personnel. Private Schools have the ability to hire and manage teachers and other school staff outside the confines of education bargaining units.

Religious Schools and Parochial Schools are Private Schools that incorporate religion into the curriculum. A Religious School may receive some funding from a religious institution, but the primary source of revenue comes from tuition. In a Parochial School, funding from a religious institution is the primary source of revenue.

Private Special Education Schools provide education to students with specialized learning needs. These schools are equipped and staffed to accommodate students on the autism spectrum or with brain injuries, severe anxiety, and other neurological issues.

Montessori Schools offer educational programming that emphasizes exploration and discovery experiences in the classroom. The classes are often structured to keep students and their teachers together for several years.

Other varieties of Private Schools include Boarding Schools, Language Immersion Schools, Waldorf Schools, and Military Schools.